Mackenzie Blackwood appeared in front of the media for the first time since his trade to the Colorado Avalanche. Availability followed morning skate, which marked Blackwood's first appearance with the team.
Mackenzie Blackwood appeared in front of the media for the first time since his trade to the Colorado Avalanche. Availability followed morning skate, which marked Blackwood's first appearance with the team.
Denver, Co. - Mackenzie Blackwood appeared in front of the media for the first time since his trade to the Colorado Avalanche. Availability followed morning skate, which marked Blackwood's first appearance with the team.
While he was with the San Jose Sharks, the writing seemed to be on the wall for an incoming trade, but he mentioned he was surprised to get the call as early as he did. He used the word "excited" a lot to describe the events of the past few days.
-"I was really excited [when I got the call]. It's a great team, great opportunity. A lot of moving parts on the day, but I'm really excited and happy to be here."
The Avalanche have dealt with a lot of question marks when it comes to who's occupying the crease and the play that comes along with it. Blackwood seems to be aware of the challenge coming to Colorado and the expectations that come with being here.
"I feel like my game is at a good point right now. I struggled a couple years ago with injuries and [have] kind of been on the mend the last two years, been able to put together a good year and a half of hockey and I feel like I'm starting to get better and better as time goes. I feel like I'm kind of hitting my stride and I think that's what this team needs. I'm excited to try and bring some solid goaltending."
He also spoke on the pressure that puts on him playing behind a strong offensive team and how he views playing on tougher nights for the team:
-"That's what you look for every time you play. I mean, you're not going to have those spectacular nights every single night, but as long as you're bringing a B-game at the worst, right? You can win with a B-game if your B-game is good enough. So that's what I've been working on a lot over the last little bit. You're obviously going to have your great nights and those are fantastic, but when you're not your best, what do you still have? So if you're on an off-night and you can still get the job done, that's kind of what you're looking for."
Speaking of excitement (again), despite the organization dealing with two new goaltenders where expectations are high, he mentioned how excited he is to join Scott Wedgewood and what he calls a "first-class" organization. "[Wedgewood], he's been playing great and he's a great guy... a lot of excitement on my part just to get in here and become a part of it."
He also mentioned how, though it takes time to adjust to a new dressing room, he's going into this new environment by being himself and trying to bring in a good presence. He finds it beneficial that he and Wedgewood are alike in that manner: "He's a great guy. Kind of like myself, he's outgoing, easy to talk to, friendly, just kind of brightens the mood a little bit. It's nice to have guys like that around, it makes every day a little bit better."
There are lots of things to look forward to with his addition, namely the nostalgia he feels after the trade and what excites him most about joining this organization.
-"I'm really excited because this is a really good hockey club, a lot of great players, great organization. It's first-class all the way, so that's huge. This was my favorite team growing up, so a little nostalgia there for me, too, so very cool."
He was asked who his favorite player was growing up. His answer? Joe Sakic.
Find the full availability here:
Make sure you bookmark THN's Colorado Avalanche site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.
Game Preview: Avalanche Look to Ice Out the Penguins on Last Game of their Road Trip
Avalanche Complete Goalie Swap With Sharks; Acquire New No. 1 Goalie
Newest Avalanche Goaltender to Join the Team in Denver on Thursday